The Drake family was prominent in Pittsfield for over 150 years. Major James Drake was a member of the first Board of Selectmen. This athletic field was presented as a memorial to his son, Colonel James Drake, who held numerous town offices and was an incorporator of the Pittsfield Bank. The Colonel's grandson, Lieutenant Colonel James Frank Drake, was born and educated in Pittsfield. In 1931 he became President of Gulf Oil Corp., and in 1948, Chairman of its Board of Directors.